The value of loans in Japan increased by 2.4% year-on-year in May 2025, slightly accelerating from a downwardly revised 2.3% increase in April and aligning with market expectations. Total outstanding loans held by major, regional, and "shinkin" banks reached JPY 634.8 trillion. Among them, major banks posted modest growth of 1.3%, while regional banks saw a stronger 3.7% increase. "Shinkin" banks - community-based institutions serving smaller businesses and local areas - registered a 1.2% rise.